Light‐Triggered Thermoelectric Conversion Based on a Carbon Nanotube–Polymer Hybrid Gel

Abstract

Lights? Nanotubes? Action! A hydrogel comprising lysozymes, poly(ethylene glycol), phospholipids, and functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes is employed for light-driven thermoelectric conversion. A photoinduced thermoelectric conversion module based on the hydrogel functions as a novel electric power generator (see image). This concept may find application in various industries, such as robotics and aerospace engineering.

Light‐Driven Thermoelectric Conversion Based on a Carbon Nanotube–Ionic Liquid Gel Composite

“…This was largely attributed to the low thermal stability of the PAA hydrogel. [14] Fukushima et al recently reported SWNT-roomtemperature ionic liquid (RTIL) gel composites for use in electronics and as actuators. [15,16] RTILs, especially those based on the n-alkylimidazolium cation, are emerging as alternatives to the conventional organic solvents used in chemical processes.…”

“…[15,[17][18][19] The voltage and electrical power generated by the thermoelectric convertors increased 3-and 10-fold, respectively, compared to the previously reported nanotube-polymer hydrogel composite modules. [14] We assume that the photothermal stability of the RTIL yields greater voltage and electrical power than the previously reported PAA-based hydrogels because the destruction of the PAA gel matrix causes inefficient heating by the diffuse reflection of light. [14] These results clearly demonstrate that the SWNT-RTIL gel composites sufficiently generate electrical energy and that they are highly photothermostable.…”

“…[14] We assume that the photothermal stability of the RTIL yields greater voltage and electrical power than the previously reported PAA-based hydrogels because the destruction of the PAA gel matrix causes inefficient heating by the diffuse reflection of light. [14] These results clearly demonstrate that the SWNT-RTIL gel composites sufficiently generate electrical energy and that they are highly photothermostable.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Recently, we demonstrated that a near-infrared (NIR) laser-driven thermoelectric conversion module, based on a single-walled CNT (SWNT)-polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogel composite, can operate as a thermoelectric convertor. [14] However, this nanotube thermoelectric conversion system was poor at generating electrical power. This was largely attributed to the low thermal stability of the PAA hydrogel.…”

“…[4][5][6] In particular, the photothermal property of nanocarbons is one of the most desirable characteristics for a variety of thermal applications. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The light-triggered exothermy of the nanocarbons probably results from the optically stimulated electronic excitations of the carbon atoms being rapidly transferred owing to molecular vibration energies, thereby causing the generation of heat. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Recently, we demonstrated that a near-infrared (NIR) laser-driven thermoelectric conversion module, based on a single-walled CNT (SWNT)-polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogel composite, can operate as a thermoelectric convertor.…”